Rotatable Shroud for Directional Control of Application Area

ABSTRACT

A controlled droplet application (CDA) nozzle has a CDA nozzle cone having a first axis of rotation in a first position and, after adjustment, a second axis of rotation in a second position orthogonal to the first. A rotationally adjustable directional shroud surrounds at least a portion of the cone, the directional shroud blocking at least a portion of a lip of the cone regardless of whether the cone is positioned in the first or second axis of rotation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of U.S. application Ser.No. 14/431,562, filed Mar. 26, 2015, now U.S. Pat. No. ______, whichclaims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/707,482, filedSep. 28, 2012, which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure is generally related to spraying technology, and,more particularly, to controlled droplet applications.

BACKGROUND

A controlled droplet application (CDA) nozzle operates on a completelydifferent principle than conventional hydraulic nozzles. CDA nozzlesdeposit liquid fluid to be applied on the inside of a spinning cone. Theinside of the cone may be lined with ridges traveling from the narrowend of the cone to the wide end. These ridges help impart rotationalenergy to the liquid fluid, spinning it faster. The ends of the ridgesare used to shear the flowing liquid fluid into droplets. As the CDAcone spins faster, the smaller droplets get sheared and released fromthe end of the ridges, which enables the spectrum of droplet sizes to becontrolled by adjusting the speed of the CDA cone.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

One aspect of this invention is directed to a controlled dropletapplication (CDA) system having a frame and a CDA nozzle adjustablycoupled to the frame. The CDA nozzle has a cone that is movable relativethe frame between a first position having a first axis of rotation and asecond position having a second axis of rotation wherein the second axisof rotation is orthogonal to the first axis or rotation. The CDA nozzlefurther has a directional shroud, the directional shroud having pluralarcs. The plural arcs cover all but a portion of a product-dispensinglip of the cone.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the disclosure can be better understood with referenceto the following drawings. The components in the drawings are notnecessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearlyillustrating the principles of the present disclosure. Moreover, in thedrawings, like reference numerals designate corresponding partsthroughout the several views.

FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in rear elevation view,an example environment in which certain embodiments of controlleddroplet application (CDA) systems may be employed according to a firstaxis of rotation for the CDA nozzle cone.

FIG. 1B is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in overhead plan view,the example CDA systems of FIG. 1A and their respective truncated fluidsprays.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram that illustrates, in rear elevation view,an example environment in which certain embodiments of CDA systems maybe employed according to a second axis of rotation for the CDA nozzlecone.

FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram that illustrates an example embodiment ofone of the CDA systems shown in FIG. 2A with the CDA nozzle conerotating along a horizontal axis and its respective fluid spray.

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram that generally depicts an embodiment ofan example CDA system with a CDA nozzle in horizontal orientation andcovered in part by a directional shroud.

FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram showing select features in cut-away viewof the example CDA system shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram showing certain features in exploded viewof the example CDA system shown in FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3D is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an example CDA nozzlecone in a perspective view showing a portion of an interior of the CDAnozzle cone.

FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an example CDA nozzlehaving a directional shroud that covers all but a portion of acircumferential lip of a cone of the CDA nozzle.

FIG. 5A is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an exampledirectional shroud having a single arc on the surface used to block asingle arc portion of a circular spray pattern dispersed from acircumferential lip of a CDA nozzle cone.

FIG. 5B is a schematic diagram that illustrates an example configurationof the single arc depicted in FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an example directionalshroud having plural arcs on the surface used to block plural,discontiguous arc portions of a circular spray pattern dispersed from acircumferential lip of a CDA nozzle cone.

FIGS. 7A-7D are schematic diagrams that illustrate an example embodimentof a CDA nozzle system for changing the angle of a spray pattern.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram that illustrates in another exampleembodiment of a CDA nozzle system.

FIG. 9 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of an example CDA method.

DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

Certain embodiments of a controlled droplet application (CDA) system andmethod are disclosed that enable a CDA nozzle to control the directionof uniformly sized droplets characteristically produced by CDA-typenozzles. In one embodiment, the CDA system comprises a CDA nozzle conethat is placed within a directional shroud that adjustably limits thedirection in which the droplets can travel. The CDA nozzle cone may beconfigured in the horizontal orientation (e.g., with the center axis ofthe cone coincident with the horizontal axis), vertical orientation, orany other orientation, for precise control of the direction of theapplied fluid spray to the intended target. For instance, thedirectional shroud may be configured to limit the droplet dispersionarea to only the bottom 90 degrees of the CDA nozzle cone. Such aconfiguration results in the directional shroud collecting the dropletsfrom the 270 degrees to the right, above, and to the left of ahorizontally oriented CDA nozzle. In other words, the CDA system enablesdirectional control over the spray.

Conventional CDA system designs also produce droplets of uniform sizewith a lower liquid fluid input than hydraulic nozzles. By producingdroplets of uniform size, the volume of liquid fluid wasted inineffective droplet size may be minimized. However, current CDA systemslack the ability to direct the spray pattern to anywhere but thevertical or near vertical orientation. For instance, conventional CDAnozzle cones are spun in a vertical or near vertical orientation (e.g.,within ten (10) degrees of the vertical axis) to provide a circularpattern, possibly wasting liquid fluid (hereinafter, the latter alsoreferred to merely as fluid) where the application of the spray is notneeded. In contrast, CDA systems of the present disclosure may operatewith the cone oriented in the horizontal, vertical (e.g., inorthogonally different orientations), or any otherdirection/orientation. In addition, certain embodiments of CDA systemscomprise a rotationally adjustable, directional shroud, providing moreprecise control of the direction of the applied fluid spray, which mayresult in less waste since areas unintended for fluid treatment areblocked from spray application by the directional shroud.

Having summarized certain features of CDA systems of the presentdisclosure, reference will now be made in detail to the description ofthe disclosure as illustrated in the drawings. While the disclosure willbe described in connection with these drawings, there is no intent tolimit it to the embodiment or embodiments disclosed herein. Further,although the description identifies or describes specifics of one ormore embodiments, such specifics are not necessarily part of everyembodiment, nor are all various stated advantages necessarily associatedwith a single embodiment or all embodiments. On the contrary, the intentis to cover all alternatives, modifications and equivalents includedwithin the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appendedclaims. Further, it should be appreciated in the context of the presentdisclosure that the claims are not necessarily limited to the particularembodiments set out in the description.

Referring now to FIG. 1A, shown is a simplified schematic of a rear endof an agricultural machine embodied as a self-propelled sprayer machine10, which provides an example environment in which one or a plurality ofcontrolled droplet application (CDA) systems 12 (e.g., 12A, 12B, and12C) may be employed. It should be appreciated within the context of thepresent disclosure that the example CDA systems 12 may be used on otheragricultural machines or machines for other industries with similar ordifferent configurations than those depicted in FIG. 1A, including aspart of a towed implement or affixed to other machines. Certain featuresof sprayer machines well known to those having ordinary skill in the artare omitted in FIGS. 1A-2B to avoid obfuscating pertinent features ofCDA systems 12. The sprayer machine 10 comprises a cab 14 and a tank 16that mounts on a chassis. The cab 14 comprises operational controls thatan operator interfaces with to navigate and/or control functions on thesprayer machine 10. Note that some embodiments may utilize automatedmachines that need not have an operator residing in the cab 14, or insome embodiments, the sprayer machine 10 may be operated via remotecontrol. The tank 16 stores liquid fluid for use in dispensing totargets located in a field traversed by the sprayer machine 10. Thesprayer machine 10 further comprises wheels 18 to facilitate traversalof a given field, though some embodiments may utilize tracks. It shouldbe appreciated that the axle arrangement depicted in FIGS. 1A-1B ismerely illustrative, and that other arrangements are contemplated to bewithin the scope of the disclosure. The sprayer machine 10 furthercomprises a boom 20 branching out from both sides of the sprayer machine10 and shown in truncated form on the right hand side of FIG. 1A. Theboom 20 comprises conduit(s) (e.g., metal or rubber/plastic tubing,wiring, cable, etc.) for hydraulics, pneumatics, electronics, etc., aswell as comprising different motive force devices such as pumps, motors,power sources, etc. to influence the flow of fluids and/or to controlthe operations and/or positioning of certain devices, such as the CDAsystems 12.

The sprayer machine 10 navigates across the field to dispense fluid fromthe CDA systems 12 to various targets. The CDA systems 12 may sprayfluids (e.g., chemicals) on crops, bare ground, pests, etc., aspre-emergence and/or post-emergence herbicides, fungicides, andinsecticides. In this example, the targets comprise the leafy areas ofcrops 22 (e.g., 22A, 22B, 22C, etc.), though other portions of the crops22 may be targeted depending on the application. Each CDA system 12,such as CDA system 12A (used an illustrative example hereinafter, withthe understanding that each CDA system may have similar features),comprises a CDA nozzle 24 and an actuator 26 (e.g., rotationalactuator), the actuator 26 causing rotation of a cone 28 of the CDAnozzle 24 based on the use of a pulley (not shown). In some embodiments,other mechanisms for causing cone rotation may be used, as is describedbelow. The CDA system 12 may be mounted to the boom 20 directly or via aframe that enables the CDA system 12 to be adjusted to vary the axis ofrotation of the cone. In the example depicted in FIG. 1A, the cone 28 isdirected downward, and the axis of rotation 30 is in the verticaldirection. As should be appreciated within the context of the presentdisclosure, the CDA system 12 may be operated in other axes of rotation,and this example is merely illustrative of one implementation.

The nozzle 24 further comprises a directional shroud 32 with one or moreapertures 34 through which fluid spray passes the directional shroud 32and impacts the target (e.g., the leafy portion of the crop 22A). InFIG. 1A, the dispersed fluid spray is denoted with a dashed arrowheadextending from the aperture 34. The directional shroud 32 comprises adeflector portion that covers (e.g., sufficient to block fluiddischarge) all but a portion (e.g., single portion or multiplecontiguous or discontiguous portions) of the fluid discharge end of thecone 28. The fluid discharge end of the cone 28 provides a circularfluid spray pattern that is modified by the deflector portion of thedirectional shroud 32. The apertures 34 are locations where thedeflector portions do not cover (e.g., block fluid discharge from) thefluid discharge ends of the cone 28, enabling a modified or truncatedfluid spray to reach the targeted area with precise directional control.The directional shroud 32 further comprises a reclamation portion thatlies beneath the deflector portion in FIG. 1A, and which collects theblocked fluid in a channel and routes the collected fluid back to areservoir for re-use in the CDA systems 12 or for other uses. Thedeflector and reclamation portions may be detachably coupled (e.g.,modular) sections of the directional shroud 32 in some embodiments, orcombined in an integrated (e.g., molded or cast) assembly in someembodiments. The directional shroud 32 enables the nozzle 24 to mount tothe boom 20.

The CDA system 12A is depicted in FIG. 1A with two apertures 34A and34B, through which the fluid spray is dispersed to hit the targets 22Aand 22B, respectively. The blocked fluid spray is collected in thereclamation portion of the directional shroud 32 and routed to areservoir (e.g., local to the nozzle 24, or in some embodiments, remote,such as a reservoir configured as the tank 16). The CDA systems 12B and12C are each shown with a single aperture to enable the fluid spray tohit the targets 22B and 22C, respectively. Some implementations mayutilize other CDA system configurations depending on the crop profileand/or conditions (e.g., weather and/or field) for a given field. Theconfigurations depicted in FIG. 1A are merely for illustrating certaincapabilities of CDA systems 12, and not intended to be limiting.

The manner of configuration of the CDA systems 12 may be manuallyadjusted based on a crop profile of the field to be traversed. Forinstance, a map of the crop profile for a given field may be printed out(e.g., remotely or locally to the sprayer machine 10) and used by anoperator of the sprayer machine 10 to manually configure each CDA system12. For instance, the operator may manually adjust the angle at whichthe CDA system 12 is mounted to the boom 20 (or frame) and/or manuallyadjust (or replace) the directional shroud 32 of the nozzle 24 to ensurethat the fluid spray dispersed from each CDA system 12 precisely andefficiently hits the target. In some embodiments, additional informationmay be used to assist the operator in adjusting the CDA systems 12, suchas weather conditions, the extent of pest infestation, soil information,among other information.

In some embodiments, the adjustment of all or a portion of the CDAsystems 12 may be achieved in an automated or semi-automated mannerusing all or a portion of the information described above. For instance,the crop profile and/or the other aforementioned information may beloaded onto a disk or memory stick and inserted in a computer 36 (shownin phantom in FIG. 1A) located on the sprayer machine 10. In someembodiments, the same information may be communicated to acommunications interface of the computer 36 or other electronics deviceover a wireless network or radio frequency channel. The operator mayreview the information on a graphical user interface (GUI) associatedwith the computer 36 or other device (e.g., located in the cab 14) anddepress one or more switches on the cab operator console to activatevarious actuators, such as the example actuator 38 shown associated withthe CDA system 12C. The activation of the actuator 38 may causeauto-adjustment of the CDA system 12 to change the axis of rotation forthe associated cone, and/or to cause rotational adjustment of thedirectional shroud 32. For instance, in one embodiment, as explainedfurther below, the directional shroud 32 may be rotated relative to thefluid discharge end of the cone 28 to position one or more apertures inthe directional shroud 32 as needed, or in some embodiments, componentswithin the directional shroud 32 (e.g., deflectors internal to the outersurface of the shroud 32) and moveable relative to the outer surface ofthe directional shroud 32 may be adjusted to deflect the flow of fluidwithin each aperture. In some embodiments, a combination of thesemethods may be used. In some embodiments, the GUI may be used like theprint out scenario described above, providing instructions for theoperator to physically change the nozzle and/or shroud orientation.Likewise, in some embodiments, the print out may be used by the operatorto make the orientation adjustments from a console in the cab (which iscommunicated from the computer 36 to the actuators 38).

In some embodiments, one or more sensors, such as sensor 40, may beaffixed to the boom 20 and/or other locations of the sprayer machine 10.The sensors 40 may operate in the visible range, infrared range,acoustic range, etc., and may be used to determine certain informationpertaining to a desired target in the field, such as the height of theleafy parts of the crop or other profile information. In someembodiments, the same or additional sensors may be used to acquire otherinformation, such as weather conditions, soil conditions, topologyinformation, vehicle information, etc. The feedback to the computer 36from the sensors 40 may be used to trigger control signaling from thecomputer 36 to the actuators 38 to cause the changes in cone and/ordirectional shroud orientation. The aforementioned automated controlsmay be performed in some embodiments with at least some operatorintervention (e.g., to confirm the suitability of the change, to preventerroneous results, etc.). In some embodiments, the computer, sensing,and actuator functionality may be integrated in fewer components. Forinstance, the sensor 40 may be configured as a smart sensor withcomputer processing functionality that may control the actuator 38directly. It should be appreciated within the context of the presentdisclosure that other variations of control of the cone 28 and/ordirectional shroud orientation may be employed and hence arecontemplated to be within the scope of the disclosure.

Referring to FIG. 1B, shown is a simplified schematic in overhead planview of the sprayer machine 10 and associated components from FIG. 1A.Of particular focus is the CDA systems 12 and their associated directedor truncated fluid sprays. For instance, and referring to the CDA system12A as one illustrative example, the directional shroud 32 is configuredto block all but a portion of the circular fluid spray that is dispersedfrom the discharge end of the cone 28 (FIG. 1A), that un-blocked portiondepicted in FIG. 1B as the truncated fluid sprays (e.g., spray arcs) 42and 44 that pass through respective apertures 34A and 34B (the aperture34B obscured from view in FIG. 1B, but shown in FIG. 1A). The fluidsprays 42 and 44 are precisely directed to relevant portions of thecrops 22A and 22B, based on configuration of the axis of rotation of thecone 28 and the orientation of the directional shroud 32 (or componentstherein). Similarly, CDA systems 12B and 12C provide truncated fluidsprays 46 and 48, respectively, to impact, with precise directionalcontrol, the respective targeted crops 22B and 22C.

FIG. 2A provides another illustration demonstrating the precise controlof the fluid spray dispersed on crops. It should be appreciated withinthe context of the present disclosure that the example illustration ofFIG. 2A is merely one example of many other possible implementations.Certain portions of the boom 20 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 1A) areomitted in FIG. 2A to avoid adding further complexity to the figure andto facilitate an understanding of certain features. In this example, thesprayer 10 comprises the CDA nozzles 12 (e.g., 12A, 12B, 12C, etc.)oriented with a cone axis of rotation 50 that is orthogonal (though notlimited to an orthogonal arrangement) to the axis of rotation 30 ofFIGS. 1A-1B. That is, the axis of rotation 50 is in the horizontalorientation. Such a configuration may be used, for instance, when thecrops 52 are more mature (e.g., greater in height) and the targetedareas of the crop 52 span a greater length or coverage area. The fluidspray is dispersed from the rotating cone 28 in similar manner asdescribed in association with the vertical axis of rotation 30.Referring now to FIGS. 2A and 2B, the CDA system 12A comprises theactuator 26 coupled to a frame 54, the latter adjustably coupled to theboom 20. The frame 54 is also adjustably coupled to the nozzle 24comprising the directional shroud 32. For instance, as shown in FIG. 2B,plural slots 56 are disposed in the frame 54, through which bolts orother securing components may be loosened to enable the rotation of thedirectional shroud 32. A fluid spray 58 dispersed from the aperture 34of the directional shroud 32 is in the form of a truncated spray (e.g.,vertical arc) that targets the entire length of the crop 52, enablingprecise and directed control of the fluid spray. In other words, thecircular fluid spray dispersed from the cone 28 of the nozzle 24 ismodified by a deflector portion of the directional shroud 32, with theundeflected fluid spray 58 dispersed through the aperture 34 toprecisely and controllably reach the target.

The change in the axis of rotation from FIGS. 1A-1B to FIG. 2A may beperformed manually (e.g., by an operator physically moving the CDAsystems 12 on the boom 20 or manipulating controls on an operatorconsole to cause an actuator (e.g., similar to actuator 38 in FIG. 1A,with a rail or the like upon which the frame 54 may be rotated orangularly adjusted)) to change the orientation, automatically (e.g.,using computer and sensing functionality), or according to a combinationof operator intervention and automated or semi-automated control. Inother words, control may be achieved in similar manner to that describedabove in association with FIGS. 1A-1B.

Although orthogonal positioning/adjustment of the axes or rotation(e.g., vertical to horizontal) has been described in association withFIGS. 1A-2B, it should be appreciated that the orientation of the axisof the cone 28 may be adjusted according to a variety of differentangles using different mechanisms (e.g., infinitely variable, orvariable in stepped increments).

Having described an example environment in which certain embodiments ofCDA system adjustment have been described, attention is directed toFIGS. 3A-3D, which depict several illustrations of an embodiment of aCDA system 12, with each illustration focusing on select features of thesystem. One having ordinary skill in the art should appreciate in thecontext of the present disclosure that the CDA system 12 shown in, anddescribed in association with, FIGS. 3A-3D, is merely illustrative, andthat other system arrangements with fewer or additional components arecontemplated to be within the scope of the disclosure. As is evident bycomparison among FIGS. 3A-3D, certain features are omitted in eachfigure to emphasize the features shown in a particular figure. Referringnow to FIG. 3A, shown is an embodiment of an example CDA system 12. Asdescribed above, the CDA system 12 may be secured to a tractor frame,boom, among other agricultural equipment similar to implementations forconventional CDA nozzles. The CDA system 12 exhibits some of thewell-known characteristics of conventional CDA nozzles, including theprovision of a substantially uniform size fluid droplet based on lowflow inputs.

The CDA system 12 comprises the CDA nozzle 24 that is depicted in FIG.3A in the horizontal orientation, though any orientation may be used.The CDA nozzle 24 comprises the cone 28 and the directional shroud 32that covers at least a portion of the fluid-discharge end of the cone28. For instance, in one embodiment, the cone 28 comprises acircumferential, outward-directed lip 60 from which the substantiallyuniform size fluid droplets are dispensed in a circular flow pattern.The directional shroud 32 blocks all but a portion of the dispensedfluid, such as a portion that passes the directional shroud 32 throughthe aperture 34 of the directional shroud. In one embodiment, theaperture 34 is defined by a single arc (or a plurality of arcs in someembodiments) serving as a deflector and located on or adjacent thesurface of the directional shroud 32. The CDA nozzle 24 also comprises ashaft 62 that runs longitudinally through a portion of the cone 28.Disposed concentrically within the shaft is a hollow spindle thatintroduces fluid into the cone 28, as described further below. The shaft62 is coupled to the cone 28 and is engaged by a drive system 64 tocause rotation of the cone 28. The cone 28 rotates to produce dropletsfrom an inputted fluid stream. In one embodiment, the drive system 64comprises the rotational actuator 26 and a pulley 66. The pulley 66engages a wheel 68 of the rotational actuator 26 and also engages theshaft 62 of the nozzle 24 to cause rotation of the cone 28. The drivesystem 64 and nozzle 24 are mounted to the frame 54, the nozzle 24mounted to the frame 54 by a frame coupling portion 70 of thedirectional shroud 32. The frame coupling portion 70 secures thedirectional shroud 32 to the frame 54. An input end 72 extending beyondthe frame 54 and a nut at the opposite end compress the frame 54, thepulley 66, shaft 62, and the cone 28 together. The directional shroud 32is mounted independently onto the frame 54, as noted above, and aroundthe rotating sub-assembly (e.g., pulley 66, shaft 62, and cone 28), andhence the rotating sub-assembly rotates approximately in the middle ofthe directional shroud 32. In some embodiments, the frame couplingportion 70 and the directional shroud 32 may be a single piececonstruction (e.g., molded part), or in some embodiments, modular,coupled components that are moveable (e.g., rotationally) or fixed(e.g., secured, attached, etc.) relative to each other. The frame 54 maybe connected (e.g., in adjustable or in some embodiments, fixed manner)to the boom 20 (FIG. 1A) of the sprayer machine 10, or other machines(e.g., a towed implement). In one embodiment, the frame 54 rigidlysecures the aforementioned components with respect to each other.

Fluid is provided to the input 72 of the nozzle 24. The fluid may beprovided through a flow control apparatus or system, as is known in theart. For instance, a flow control system may meter a defined volume offluid into the input 72, the fluid then flowing through a hollow,stationary spindle 74 for deposit into the interior of the cone 28.

In one example operation, the rotational actuator 26 of the drive system64 provides rotational motion to rotate the cone 28. In other words, thepulley 66 transfers the rotational motion of the rotational actuator 26to the shaft 62, which through coupling between the shaft 62 and thecone 28, causes the cone 28 to rotate. The shaft 62 rotates around astationary spindle 74 that is surrounded by the shaft 62, as explainedbelow. In one embodiment, an even flow of fluid is injected by a flowcontrol system into the input 72. The fluid flows through the hollowspindle 74 and is discharged via one or more openings in the spindle 74into the interior space of the cone 28. In one embodiment, fins of a finassembly located internal to the cone 28 divide and compartmentalize thefluid evenly inside the cone 28 and ensure that the cone 28 produces aneven distribution of uniformly-sized droplets. In some embodiments, thefin assembly may be omitted.

It should be appreciated within the context of the present disclosurethat variations of the aforementioned CDA system 12 are contemplated andconsidered to be within the scope of the disclosure. For instance, insome embodiments, the drive system 64 may include a belt, gears, chain,hydraulic motor, pneumatic motor, etc. In some embodiments, the depicteddrive system 64 may be omitted in favor of drive system that includes adirect coupling between a motor and the cone 28. In some embodiments,additional structure and/or components may be included, such as aprecise speed control of the cone 28, a fan to assist droplet travel andpenetration (e.g., into foliage), among other structures. Although notlimited to a specific performance, some example performance metrics ofthe CDA system 12 may include a minimum flow rate of approximately 0.05gallons per minute (GPM), a maximum flow rate of approximately 0.3 GPM,a minimum cone speed of approximately 2500 RPM, and a maximum cone speedof approximately 5000 PRM. These metrics are merely illustrative, andsome embodiments may have greater or lower values.

Attention is now directed to FIG. 3B, which provides a cutaway view ofcertain features of the CDA system 12 shown in FIG. 3A. Note that insome embodiments, the CDA system 12 may comprise the nozzle 24 and thedrive system 64 coupled to the frame 54. In some embodiments, the CDAsystem 12 may comprise fewer or greater numbers of components. Recappingfrom the description above, the CDA system 12 comprises the CDA nozzle24. The CDA nozzle 24 comprises the cone 28, the directional shroud 32,the shaft 62, and a spindle 74. In one embodiment, the cone 28 comprisesa geometrical configuration that includes the circumferential lip 60from which droplets are dispersed to a target according to a circularspray pattern. In one embodiment, the lip 60 is directed outward fromthe central axis of the cone 28. In some embodiments, the lip 60 is notdirected outward relative to the central axis of the cone 28. The cone28 also comprises a wide portion 76 and a narrow portion 78 thatincludes a base 80. The narrow portion 78 includes a diameter thatdecreases from the wide portion 76 to the base 80. In some embodiments,within the cone 28 corresponding to an interior surface of the narrowportion 78 is a fin assembly, as described further below. The interiorsurface of the cone 28 corresponding to the lip 60 and the wide portion76 (and partially the narrow portion 78) comprises a plurality oflongitudinal ridges 82, each pair of ridges 82 defining groovestherebetween to channel the fluid as the cone 28 rotates to provide acircular flow pattern of droplets released at the lip 60. In otherwords, the uniform droplets are dispersed from grooves (the groovesformed by plural ridges 82 in the interior surface of the cone 28, theridges breaking off the droplets as the fluid flows from the grooves) atthe lip 60 in circular fashion. All but a portion of the dispersed fluidis blocked by the directional shroud 32. The unblocked fluid dispersedfrom the lip 60 passes the directional shroud 32 via the aperture 34 andhence is directed to a target, such as the ground or foliage (e.g.,crops, weeds, etc.). The blocked fluid is captured and routed by aninternal channel 84 created by a reclamation portion of the directionalshroud 32 and fed to a fluid reclamation system.

The nozzle 24 further comprises the shaft 62, which extends from one endof the cone 28 and is coupled to the interior surface of the cone 28.The shaft 62 surrounds (e.g., concentrically) at least a partial lengthof the hollow spindle 74. The hollow spindle 74 receives fluid (e.g.,from a flow control system) from the input 72 and dispenses the fluidinto the interior of the cone 28 corresponding to the narrow portion 78(e.g., proximal to the base 80). The spindle 74 is coupled to the base80 of the cone 28. Introduced in FIG. 3B is a circular cap 86 thatsegments the interior of the cone 28 in a plane proximal to thetransition between the wide portion 76 and the narrow portion 78. In oneembodiment, the cap 86 is integrated (e.g., molded, cast, etc.) with theshaft 62. In some embodiments, the cap 86 is coupled to the shaft 62according to other known fastening mechanisms, such as via welding,riveting, screws, etc. In one embodiment, the cap 86 is also mounted toa fin assembly as described further below, although in some embodiments,the fin assembly may be omitted and the shaft 62 coupled to the cone 28according to other fastening mechanisms. For purposes of brevity, theremainder of the disclosure contemplates the use of a fin assembly, withthe understanding that the fin assembly may be omitted in someembodiments. The shaft 62 further comprises a hexagonal key portion 88and bearing assembly 90 disposed between the frame 54 and the cone 28.The key portion 88 provides an area of engagement for the pulley 66 ofthe drive system 64, at the nozzle 24, the other area of engagement atthe wheel 68 associated with the rotational actuator 26 of the drivesystem 64. The bearing assembly 90 (along with a bearing assembly on anopposing end of the spindle 74, as described below) enables the spindle74 to guide the rotation of the shaft 62 and cone 28 relative to thestationary spindle 74, as driven by the drive system 64.

Also depicted in FIG. 3B, the directional shroud 32 mounts to the frame54 via the frame coupling portion 70, as described above. Thedirectional shroud 32 may be adjusted (e.g., in height) to enable thecone 28 to disperse the fluid in a fully circular spray of fluid orpositioned to enable a truncated spray pattern. For instance, thedirectional shroud 32 may be offset from the outlet (e.g., lip 60) ofthe cone 28 (e.g., lifted closer to the frame 54) to avoid interferingwith the discharge of the fluid droplets and hence enable a fullycircular spray pattern of uniform droplets from the lip 60. In someembodiments, the directional shroud 32 may be in a fixed positionrelative to the distance between the shroud 32 and the cone 28. In someembodiments, the directional shroud 32 may be positioned to block allbut a portion of the circular spray pattern of the dispersed fluid,enabling a truncated spray pattern (e.g., in the form of a single arcspray pattern or plural arc spray patterns). The positioning of thedirectional shroud 32 may be achieved through manual adjustment, or insome embodiments, automatically (e.g., as controlled by a stepper motoror driven gear assembly coupled to the frame 54).

Referring to FIG. 3C, an exploded view of certain features of the CDAsystem 12 of FIGS. 3A-3B is shown. The frame 54 comprises the slots 56to enable rotational adjustment of the directional shroud 32 (which mayinclude embodiments where arcs or deflectors located within thedirectional shroud 32 are rotated independent of the directional shroud32), as described above. The wheel 68, pulley 66, and shaft 62 havealready been described in association with FIGS. 3A-3B, and hencefurther discussion of the same is omitted here for brevity except wherenoted below. Of particular focus for purposes of FIG. 3C is a finassembly 92, which includes a ring 94, a plurality of fins 96 coupled toor integrated with the ring 94, and a plurality of pins 98 disposedbetween each pair of fins 96. The fin assembly 92 depicted in FIG. 3C isone example configuration, and it should be appreciated that otherconfigurations of the fin assembly (e.g., with a fewer or greater numberof pins 98 or fins 96) are contemplated to be within the scope of thedisclosure. The fin assembly 92 is connected to the interior surface ofthe cone 28 corresponding to the narrow portion 78, and in particular,connected via the pins 98. Further, the cap 86 of the shaft 62 mounts tothe fin assembly 92 via the pins 98 and the cap holes 100 of the cap 86.The cap 86 rests on an edge 102 of each fin 96 of the fin assembly 92.Note that the shaft 62 and the cap 86 are depicted as an integratedassembly (e.g., molded or cast piece), though in some embodiments, maybe affixed to each other by known fastening mechanisms. Note that thespindle 74 comprises one or more holes 104 that permit the release ofthe fluid, inserted at the input 72 (FIG. 3B) and carried through thehollow spindle 74, to the interior of the cone 28. At the base 80 of thecone 28 is a bearing assembly 106, as indicated above.

Turning attention now to FIG. 3D, shown in perspective is a portion ofthe interior of one embodiment of the cone 28 (with some featuresomitted for purposes of brevity of discussion, such as the cap 86). Itshould be appreciated within the context of the present disclosure thatvariations in the depicted structure are contemplated for certainembodiments, such as fewer or additional fins, and/or the extension (orreduction) of the quantity of ridges along a greater (or lesser) area ofthe interior surface of the cone 28. As depicted in FIG. 3D, the cone 28comprises the hollow spindle 74. The spindle 74 comprises the openings104 (one shown) proximal to the fin assembly 92, the holes 104permitting the deposit of the fluid into the interior space of the cone28. The cone 28 further comprises the longitudinal, discontiguous ridges82 disposed on at least a portion of the interior surface (e.g.,corresponding to the lip 60, wide portion 76, and a part (e.g., lessthan the entirety) of the narrow portion 78 (FIGS. 3A-3C). In someembodiments, the ridges 82 may occupy a larger amount of the interiorsurface, or a smaller part in some embodiments, or be contiguousthroughout the interior surface of cone 28. Between the ridges 82 aregrooves which enable the channeling of fluid injected from the spindle74 to dispersion as droplets in a circular spray pattern beyond the lip60.

The interior of the cone 28 further comprises the fin assembly 92, asdescribed above in association with FIG. 3C. In one embodiment, the finassembly 92 is disposed in an interior space adjacent the narrow portion78 (e.g., the narrow portion 78 having a decreasing diameter from thewide portion 76 to the base 80 (FIGS. 3A-3C)). As described above, thefin assembly 92 comprises the ring 94 that, in one embodiment, encirclesa central or center region of the cone 28 occupied by the spindle 74. Inone embodiment, a central axis of the ring 94 is coincident with acentral axis of the spindle 74. The ring 94 is integrated with (e.g.,casted or molded, or in some embodiments, affixed to) the plurality ofthe fins 96. The fins 96 extend from a location longitudinally adjacentthe spindle 74 to the interior surface of the cone 28. In oneembodiment, one or more edges of each fin 96 is flush (e.g., entirely,or a portion thereof) with the interior surface of the cone 28. In someembodiments, one or more edges of each fin 96 is connected (e.g., alongthe entire edge or a portion thereof in some embodiments) to theinterior surface of the cone 28. In some embodiments, a small gap isdisposed between one or more edges of each fin 96 (or a predeterminednumber less than all of the fins 96) and the interior surface closest tothe fin 96. In some embodiments, the fins 96 may be affixed to the ring94 by known fastening mechanisms (e.g., welds, adhesion, etc.) orintegrations (e.g., molded, cast, etc.). The ring 94 further comprisesthe plural pins 98 that enable the mounting of the cap 86 (FIG. 3C) ofthe shaft 62 (FIG. 3A) to the fin assembly 92, which also enables theshaft 62 to cause the rotation of the cone 28. The pins 98 also securethe fin assembly 92 to the interior surface of the narrow portion 78.

FIG. 4 provides a close-up schematic of the directional shroud 32 of theCDA system 12. As depicted in FIG. 4, the directional shroud 32 coversall but a portion of the cone 28, and in particular, all but a portionof the lip 60 of the cone 28. The directional shroud 32 has asaucer-like shape, and comprises an aperture 34 that enables the fluiddispersed from the lip 60 to pass through the directional shroud 32. Thebalance of the fluid dispersed from the lip 60 is blocked by the arcportion(s) of the directional shroud 32, and channeled via the channel84 (FIG. 3B) to a drain 108 to be recovered at a reservoir of the fluidor other reservoir (e.g., tank 16, FIG. 1A). The arc portion or portions(deflector(s)) may be integrated with, coupled to, or adjacent thedirectional shroud 32 and adjacent the frame coupling portion 70. Insome embodiments, the arc portion(s) may be integrated with, or coupledto, or adjacent both the bottom and frame coupling portion 70 of thedirectional shroud 32, or entirely integrated with, coupled to, oradjacent the frame coupling portion 70. Reference to the term “shroud”or “directional shroud” contemplates each of these embodiments. Asindicated above, the frame coupling portion 70 may be integrated withthe directional shroud 32 as a single piece, or configured as amulti-piece assembly. The directional shroud 32 further comprises areclamation portion 110 located in FIG. 4 in the bottom portion of thedirectional shroud 32 (e.g., directly beneath (and adjacent to) thearc(s) or deflector(s) of the shroud 32). Hereinafter, the terms arc anddeflector are used interchangeably, in singular format (unless pluralfor explanation), with the understanding that plural arcs or deflectorsmay be used. The reclamation portion 110 encircles at least a portion ofthe cone 28 and collects (via the channel 84) the fluid spray that isblocked by the deflector, routing the blocked and collected fluidthrough the drain 108 to a reservoir. In some embodiments, the deflectorand reclamation portion 110 may be an integrated assembly (e.g., moldedor cast), and in some embodiments, these components may be modularcomponents that are assembled together to comprise the directionalshroud 32. The truncated fluid spray dispersed from the aperture 34 isdirected out of the paper (FIG. 4) in an arc-like pattern, similar tothat shown in FIG. 1B.

Referring to FIG. 5A, shown is a schematic diagram that illustrates,from the perspective of the lip 60 and looking above the lip into theinterior of the cone 28, an embodiment of an example directional shroud32 having a single arc on the surface used to block a single arc portionof a circular spray pattern dispersed from the circumferential lip 60 ofthe nozzle 24 (FIGS. 3A-3D). As evident from FIG. 5A, the frame couplingportion 70 of the directional shroud 32 is omitted to reveal the arcstructures of the directional shroud 32. Although illustrated asintegrated into the surface of the directional shroud 32 (where theframe coupling portion 70 is mounted to, or integrated with, the bottomportion of the shroud 32 and the collective assembly is rotatablerelative to the cone 28), in some embodiments, the arc structure may beintegrated into or coupled to (in a modular configuration) the framecoupling portion 70 (or both the lower portion of the shroud 32 and theframe coupling portion 70). In some embodiments, the frame couplingportion 70 and bottom portion of the directional shroud 32 may berotatable relative to each other. In some embodiments, the arc may bedisposed on a rail or other slide-enabling surface adjacent the interiorsurface of the directional shroud 32, the arc moveable (e.g., rotatable)relative to the directional shroud 32, the movement permitting theaperture 34 to have a variably adjusted outlet area. In the latterembodiment, for plural arcs, the arcs may be moveable in kind orindependently moveable in some embodiments. Also shown is thereclamation portion 110 of the directional shroud 32. It should beappreciated within the context of the present disclosure that theconfiguration of the directional shroud 32 shown in FIG. 5A is one amongmany possible configurations. The directional shroud 32 covers all but aportion (i.e., corresponding to the aperture 34) of the lip 60 of thecone 28. The shaft 62 is shown surrounding in concentric manner thespindle 74, where one end of the spindle 74 is obscured by the surfaceof the cap 86 that is disposed in the interior of the cone 28 andintegrated with, or coupled to, the shaft 62. Grooves are shown moreclearly in FIG. 5A, such as groove 112 defined between adjacent ridges82A and 82B. The grooves 112 channel the fluid within the interior ofthe cone 28, the channeled fluid broken into uniform size droplets atthe lip 60 by the ridges 82. Also shown in FIG. 5A is an arc 114, asgenerally described above, in one embodiment disposed on the surface ofthe directional shroud 32 to which the frame coupling portion 70 mounts(e.g., integrated with or coupled to), the arc 114 extending radiallyfrom approximately, using a clock analogy, the one o'clock position tothe eight o'clock position when viewed in perspective. Other radiallengths of the arc 114 are contemplated to be within the scope of thedisclosure. The arc 114 comprises a surface that radially covers the lip60, except at the aperture 34. Functionally, the arc 114 enables thedirectional shroud 32 to block at least partially the circular spraydispersed at the lip 60, enabling a portion of the spray (e.g., atruncated portion of the circular spray) to pass through the aperture 34and be applied to the target. In other words, in one embodiment, the arc114 blocks the spray except in the gap corresponding to the aperture 34.The blocked portion is channeled via the channel 84 and through thedrain 108 as described above.

The arc 114 comprises a leading edge 116 and a trailing edge 118, whichare two edges that cut into the spray of the droplets. Referring now toFIG. 5B, shown is a portion of the droplets, represented by lines 120,dispersed from the lip 60 of the cone 28. It should be appreciated thatthe entire circular spray is dispersed from the cone 28, but only aportion is depicted here. The leading edge 116 of the arc 114 of thedirectional shroud 32 comprises a sharp geometric configuration thatcuts into the spray to reduce the transition area that may include anintermediate number of droplets. The trailing edge 118 of thedirectional shroud 32 has a hooked-configuration (e.g., the hookdirected inward toward the center of the cone 28) to direct the fluidback around towards the bottom (e.g., when in vertical orientation) ofthe directional shroud 32, enabling the blocked fluid to be channeled toa reservoir.

Note that some embodiments may omit the hooked configuration of thetrailing edge 118, or have a different configuration (e.g., “L” shaped,etc.) to direct fluid back to the bottom of the directional shroud 32.

Referring now to FIG. 6, shown is another embodiment of a directionalshroud, denoted as directional shroud 32A. In this example embodiment,the directional shroud 32A comprises plural arcs 122 and 124 that blockthe circular fluid spray dispersed from the lip 60 of the cone 28. Aswith the single arc 114 of FIG. 5A, the plural arcs 122 and 124 may beintegrated into, or coupled to, the frame coupling portion 70, thebottom portion of the directional shroud 32A, or a combination thereofas part of a single-piece shroud structure or modular configuration(with the assembly collectively moving together or the frame couplingportion 70 and bottom portion of the directional shroud 32A moveablerelative to each other). Also, in some embodiments, the plural arcs 122and 124 may be slidably rotated relative to the directional shroud 32Aalong an adjacent surface, either collectively as a whole orindividually moved according to independently moveable rails orsurfaces. It should be appreciated that the quantity of arcs may begreater in some embodiments. Apertures 126 and 128 allow the fluid topass the directional shroud 32A, whereas the arcs 122 and 124 block thecircular spray in a manner similar to that described above, with theblocked fluid flowing in the channel 84 located at the bottom of thedirectional shroud 32A and routed to a reservoir via the drain 108.Similar to the structure described above, each of the arcs 122 and 124comprise a leading and trailing edge, though some embodiments may omitsuch configurations or use only for select arcs.

Although the rotatably adjustable directional shrouds 32 and 32A areshown with fixed arc configurations (e.g., the spray pattern adjustedvia the rotation of the directional shroud), in some embodiments, aplurality of moveable arcs may be disposed on a rail runningcircumferentially on or within a fixed-position directional shroud andpositioned manually, or via automated control (e.g., a motor, gearassembly, etc.), as set forth above.

Referring now to FIGS. 7A-7D, shown is an embodiment of a CDA system 12Aconfigured for automated or semi-automated rotation of the aperture 34to provide an adjustable spray pattern angle (e.g., to control thedirection of the spray arc). It should be appreciated by one havingordinary skill in the art in the context of the present disclosure thatthe mechanism for adjusting the aperture 34 (and hence spray patternangle) is one example among many different mechanisms for enabling therotation, and hence some embodiments may utilize these other mechanisms.Focusing in particular on some select features in FIGS. 7A-7D, the CDAsystem 12A comprises the cone 28 and shroud 32 coupled to a frame 54Avia the frame coupling portion 70. As noted, column-like extensions ofthe frame coupling portion 70, such as extension 130, insert through therespective plural slots 56, secured there with a head 132 (and possiblyother hardware, such as a bushing, etc.), which enables the directionalshroud 32 to rotatably slide to enable the aperture 34 tocorrespondingly rotate relative to the fluid dispersing end of the cone28. The frame 54A comprises, in one embodiment, an angled portion 134.In some embodiments, another securing member may be coupled (e.g.,screwed, bolted, etc.) to the frame 54A to serve the same function. Theangled portion 134 has secured to it a pinion 136 that is in engageablecontact with a bottom rack 138 and a top rack 140 (see FIGS. 7B-7C). Therack 138 is coupled to a circular rail 144, which in turn is coupled tothe directional shroud 32 via connector 146 to ensure guided movement.In one embodiment, the rack 138 is coupled to the circular rail 144through the use of tabs 148 extending from the rack 138 through one ormore slots 150 in the rail 144, as best shown in FIG. 7D. Note thatother mechanisms for ensuring coincident movement between the rack 138and the rail 144 may be used in some embodiments. When the pinion 136rotates, causing for instance the rack 138 (and hence rail 144) torotate to the left in FIG. 7A, the directional shroud 32 moves left byvirtue of the connector 146 connecting the directional shroud 32 to therail 144, causing the aperture 34 to also move left relative to thefluid dispersed from the cone 28. A motor 142 (e.g., servo) may be usedto provide the motive force for the rack and pinion system, and may beenergized hydraulically, electrically, pneumatically, or mechanically.In some embodiments, the motor 142 may be replaced with an actuator thatis powered from elsewhere.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a CDA system 12B, wherein two rackand pinion arrangements are used to control not only the direction ofthe spray but also the scope or arc of the spray independently. Likenumbered items from FIGS. 7A-7D are shown in FIG. 8, with similarfunctionality that is not described here for the sake of brevity. Inaddition, the CDA system 12B comprises another motor 152 coupled to anangled portion 154 similar to angled portion 134, the motor 152configured to drive an additional pinion 156 along rack 158. In thedepicted embodiment, the upper rack 158 and lower rack 138 operateindependently. For instance, to change the spray arc(s), both pinions156 and 136 operate in opposing directions (rotations) at the same time,causing the respective racks 158 and 138 (and rails) to move in opposingdirections using a similar mechanism to that described for FIGS. 7A-7D,yet extended using two subsystems. Also, to change the direction of thespray arc(s), both pinions 156 and 136 operate in the same direction tocause the respective racks 158 and 138 (and rails) to move in the samedirection. As an example, and referring to FIG. 2B, the arc 58 may benarrowed from a maximum spray arc 58 by virtue of the pinions 156 and136 moving in opposing rotations (causing their respective racks/railsto move in opposing directions), whereas the direction of the spray arc58 may be moved to another orientation by the coincident rotations ofthe racks and rails at the same time. In one embodiment, the top railmay be molded into the top part of the shroud 32. In some embodiments, aring may be used (e.g., having four (4) holes, the ring sandwiched inbetween the shroud extension 130 (FIG. 7C) and the frame 54 with awasher or other securing mechanisms.

Having described certain embodiments of a CDA system 12, it should beappreciated within the context of the present disclosure that oneembodiment of a CDA method (e.g., as implemented in one embodiment bythe CDA system 12, though not limited to the specific structures shownin FIGS. 1A-8), denoted as method 160 and illustrated in FIG. 8,comprises causing a CDA nozzle cone to first rotate along a first axisof rotation, the first rotation causing a circular fluid spray to bedispersed from the cone with substantially uniform size droplets (162).The method 160 further comprises adjusting the orientation of the nozzle(164). For instance, as described above, adjustment may be achievedmanually or automatically (or a combination of both). The method 160further comprises, subsequent to the adjustment, causing the CDA nozzlecone to second rotate along a second axis of rotation orthogonal to thefirst axis of rotation, the second rotation causing the circular fluidspray to be dispersed from the cone with substantially uniform sizedroplets (162). As explained above, adjustment may be made according toadditional axes of rotation.

Any process descriptions or blocks in flow diagrams should be understoodas merely illustrative of steps performed in a process implemented by aCDA system, and alternate implementations are included within the scopeof the embodiments in which functions may be executed out of order fromthat shown or discussed, including substantially concurrently or inreverse order, depending on the functionality involved, as would beunderstood by those reasonably skilled in the art of the presentdisclosure.

It should be emphasized that the above-described embodiments of thepresent disclosure are merely possible examples of implementations,merely set forth for a clear understanding of the principles of thedisclosure. Many variations and modifications may be made to theabove-described embodiment(s) of the disclosure without departingsubstantially from the spirit and principles of the disclosure. All suchmodifications and variations are intended to be included herein withinthe scope of this disclosure and protected by the following claims.

At least the following is claimed:
 1. A controlled droplet application(CDA) system, comprising: a frame; and a CDA nozzle adjustably coupledto the frame, the CDA nozzle comprising a cone that is movable relativethe frame between a first position having a first axis of rotation and asecond position having a second axis of rotation wherein the second axisof rotation is orthogonal to the first axis or rotation, wherein the CDAnozzle further comprises a directional shroud, the directional shroudcomprising plural arcs, the plural arcs covering all but a portion of aproduct-dispensing lip of the cone.
 2. The CDA system of claim 1,wherein the directional shroud further comprises an aperture disposedwhere the plural arcs are not.
 3. The CDA system of claim 1, wherein theportion is contiguous.
 4. The CDA system of claim 1, wherein the portionis discontiguous.
 5. The CDA system of claim 1, wherein the directionalshroud is rotatable.
 6. A controlled droplet application (CDA) method,comprising: causing a controlled droplet application (CDA) nozzle coneto first rotate along a first axis of rotation, the first rotationcausing a circular fluid spray to be dispersed from the cone withsubstantially uniform size droplets; adjusting the orientation of thenozzle; subsequent to the adjustment, causing the CDA nozzle cone tosecond rotate along a second axis of rotation orthogonal to the firstaxis of rotation, the second rotation causing the circular fluid sprayto be dispersed from the cone with substantially uniform size droplets;deflecting with a directional shroud the circular fluid spray caused bythe first rotation, wherein a first undeflected portion of the circularfluid spray is dispersed to a first target through an aperture of thedirectional shroud, the deflecting causing a change from the circularfluid spray to a first truncated fluid spray corresponding to the firstundeflected portion; and adjusting the direction of the first truncatedfluid spray based on a rotational adjustment of the directional shroud,wherein the adjusted truncated fluid spray is directed to a secondtarget based on the cone first rotating along the first axis ofrotation.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising deflecting with adirectional shroud the circular fluid spray caused by the secondrotation, wherein a second undeflected portion of the circular fluidspray is dispersed to a third target through the aperture of thedirectional shroud, the deflecting causing a change from the circularfluid spray to a second truncated fluid spray corresponding to thesecond undeflected portion.
 8. The method of claim 7, further comprisingadjusting the direction of the second truncated fluid spray based on arotational adjustment of the directional shroud, wherein the adjustedtruncated fluid spray is directed to a fourth target based on the conesecond rotating along the second axis of rotation.
 9. The method ofclaim 6, further comprising, subsequent to another adjustment, causingthe CDA nozzle cone to third rotate along a third axis of rotation. 10.A controlled droplet application (CDA) method, comprising: causing acontrolled droplet application (CDA) nozzle cone to first rotate along afirst axis of rotation, the first rotation causing a circular fluidspray to be dispersed from the cone with substantially uniform sizedroplets; adjusting the orientation of the nozzle; subsequent to theadjustment, causing the CDA nozzle cone to second rotate along a secondaxis of rotation orthogonal to the first axis of rotation, the secondrotation causing the circular fluid spray to be dispersed from the conewith substantially uniform size droplets; and deflecting with adirectional shroud the circular fluid spray caused by the firstrotation, wherein first plural undeflected portions of the circularfluid spray are dispersed to plural targets through first pluralapertures of the directional shroud, the deflecting causing a changefrom the circular fluid spray to first plural truncated fluid sprayscorresponding to the first plural undeflected portions.
 11. The methodof claim 10, further comprising adjusting the direction of the firstplural truncated fluid sprays based on a rotational adjustment of thedirectional shroud, wherein the adjusted first plural truncated fluidsprays are directed to different targets than the targets before therotational adjustment based on the cone first rotating along the firstaxis of rotation.
 12. The method of claim 11, further comprisingdeflecting with a directional shroud the circular fluid spray caused bythe second rotation, wherein second undeflected portions of the circularfluid spray are dispersed to second plural targets through second pluralapertures of the directional shroud, the deflecting causing a changefrom the circular fluid spray to second plural truncated fluid sprayscorresponding to the second plural undeflected portions.
 13. The methodof claim 12, further comprising adjusting the direction of the secondplural truncated fluid sprays based on a rotational adjustment of thedirectional shroud, wherein the adjusted truncated fluid sprays aredirected to different targets than the targets before the rotationaladjustment based on the cone second rotating along the second axis ofrotation.